The Camden County Office of Emergency Management has declared a Code Blue Advisory for the county, following forecasts from the National Weather Service predicting dangerously low temperatures over several days in January. The advisory is in effect for overnight periods between January 15 and January 20, with projected temperatures ranging from 15°F to 29°F.
A Code Blue Advisory is issued when the National Weather Service expects temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or wind chills of zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower for at least two hours. During such advisories, municipalities are required to activate their Code Blue response plans to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including those who are homeless or transient.
Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Safety, stated: “As temperatures fall to dangerously low levels, it is critical that our residents have access to a safe place to stay warm. We urge everyone to check in on vulnerable neighbors, ensure heating systems are working properly, and bring pets indoors.”
The Camden County Office of Emergency Management works with each municipality within the county to make sure resources are available during severe weather events. Each municipality has designated specific locations as warming centers for those seeking shelter.
Residents are advised to take precautions as winter weather arrives. Recommendations include dressing in layers using moisture-wicking materials; ensuring space heaters are kept away from flammable objects and unplugged when not in use; checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; keeping pets indoors; and preparing vehicles for winter conditions by maintaining headlights, wipers, tires, brakes, and packing emergency kits.
Individuals seeking shelter should contact their local municipality for information on warming centers. A complete list is available at www.camdencounty.com/service/health-human-services/warming-centers/. After-hours shelter assistance can be accessed by calling 2-1-1.
Camden County serves more than 500,000 residents across 37 municipalities in southern New Jersey and operates under a seven-member Board of Commissioners who oversee public safety services among other responsibilities. The county provides community programs related to education, workforce development, health programs, parks maintenance, transportation infrastructure and economic development through coordination with local, state and federal partners (https://www.camdencounty.com/).
